When to Include Online Courses
- Relevant to Job Role: Make sure the course helps you in the job you're seeking.
- Fill Skill Gaps: Use the course to show you're learning new skills.
- Show Ongoing Learning: Highlight that you’re keeping up with new trends.
When to Skip Online Courses
- Irrelevant Content: Don’t list courses not related to the job.
- Introductory Courses: Skip beginner courses if you're supposed to be a pro.
- Outdated Skills: Remove old or expired courses.
Where to List Online Courses
- Certification Section: A dedicated section for technical skills.
- Education Section: Add courses that match with your formal education.
- Additional Information: List less important courses briefly.
How to List Online Courses
- Course Title: State the course name clearly.
- Provider’s Name: Add the platform or institution (e.g., Udemy, Coursera).
- Completion Date: Mention when you finished the course.
- Skills Acquired: Optionally, list key skills or projects done.
Examples of Listing Online Courses
In the Certification Section
Certifications
- Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp, Udemy, Completed May 2022
- Skills: Python, Machine Learning, Data Analysis
In the Education Section
Education
University of Example, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Graduated 2020
- Additional Courses: Web Development Bootcamp, Udemy, Completed August 2021
In the Additional Information Section
Additional Information
- Online Courses: Project Management Professional Certification, Udemy, April 2023
Tips for Adding Real Value
- Relevance: Only add courses that matter to the job. Explain why if the course title is vague.
- Professional Presentation: List courses in a neat and formal way.
- Projects & Practical Experience: Highlight hands-on projects to show how you used the skills.
- Be Prepared for Questions: Be ready to discuss the course content during the interview.
Case Study: Udemy Certificates
Value Analysis
Udemy has many great courses. Digital marketing, data science, web development, and project management are popular choices.
Listing Example
Certifications
- Google Analytics Certification, Coursera, October 2023
- Digital Marketing Strategy, Udemy, Completed July 2022
- Skills: SEO, Social Media Marketing, Email Marketing
Do's and Don'ts
- Do: Tailor each resume, Highlight applied skills, Keep it short and sweet.
- Don't: Overload with courses, Include unrelated content, Misrepresent skill level.
Alternatives to Listing Courses
Don’t just rely on courses. Use portfolios, volunteering, or freelancing to show your skills.
Conclusion
Including online courses in your resume is a great idea if done right. Focus on what matters, present it well, and tailor your resume for each job. Good luck!